Desis On The Ballot: Pravesh Kumar, Fremont City Council, District 1

After a 25-year career in tech, 51-year old Pravesh Kumar is making his first bid for government office from Fremont’s DIstrict 1. Having raised two children in the city, Kumar believes he has a good sense of the challenges that small families face in Fremont.

He aims to draw on his experience as a tech executive to make Fremont’s city council more responsive and transparent. Other priorities include affordable housing for teachers and first responders, mitigating traffic congestion, and ensuring public safety. In the lead up to election Day, we asked him to tell us more about his vision for Fremont in the next four years.

Your one-minute pitch to voters

As a Fremont resident for over 13 years and a parent, I understand the challenges our community faces. With 25 years of experience in the tech industry, I bring a forward-thinking approach to city leadership. I’m committed to making Fremont a safer, more affordable place by focusing on issues like housing for teachers and first responders, improving public safety, and ensuring access to quality education. My goal is to ensure that Fremont continues to thrive for all residents. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community. Let’s make Fremont a place we’re all proud to call home!

What will you do on your first day in office, if you are elected?

First, I will initiate a review of the city’s budget to ensure funds are being allocated efficiently and responsibly, with a focus on enhancing essential services like public safety, education, and infrastructure.

I will also prioritize launching discussions on affordable housing, particularly for our essential workers – teachers, first responders, and caregivers. This is crucial to keeping Fremont a vibrant and diverse community where people who serve the city can afford to live.

Furthermore, I will work on advancing traffic safety and congestion management initiatives. This includes reviewing transportation plans and exploring ways to improve public transit and road safety for all—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Lastly, I will commit to making the government more transparent and accessible by engaging with residents through town halls, digital platforms, and open forums. My goal is to establish a foundation of trust and collaboration, ensuring that Fremont residents have a voice in shaping the future of our city.

What are your top three priorities in office?

First, I am committed to making our city government more transparent, responsive, and accountable to the people. I will advocate for better communication between city leaders and residents, ensuring that Fremont citizens have access to clear information about decisions affecting them. Through open forums, town halls, and digital platforms, I will work to keep the community engaged and involved in the decision-making process. A government that listens to its residents is crucial for building trust and creating policies that truly serve the people.

Secondly, traffic congestion is a daily frustration for many Fremont residents. I will focus on reducing congestion and improving road safety by advancing smart traffic management solutions, expanding public transportation options, and enhancing infrastructure. I plan to push for better road designs, more bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly areas to ensure safety for all. By promoting carpooling, ride-sharing, and alternative transportation, we can alleviate traffic pressures and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Third, one of the biggest challenges Fremont faces is the high cost of living, especially for our essential workers like teachers, first responders, and caregivers. My priority will be to advocate for affordable housing solutions that allow these critical workers to live in the community they serve. I will work with developers, local organizations, and regional partners to create housing options that are affordable without compromising the quality of our neighborhoods. Ensuring affordable housing strengthens our workforce and keeps Fremont a diverse and thriving city.

What are the major challenges that your city is facing?

Fremont faces several major challenges that need immediate attention. As housing costs continue to rise, many residents – especially essential workers like teachers, first responders, and caregivers – struggle to afford living here. This not only impacts individual families but also threatens the diversity and sustainability of our community.

With a growing population and increased development, traffic congestion has become a significant issue. Residents face longer commutes, and road safety has become a growing concern for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Public transportation options also need improvement to reduce reliance on cars. Fremont is expanding rapidly, but managing this growth responsibly is key. We need to ensure that new development doesn’t strain resources, degrade the environment, or reduce the quality of life for current residents. Sustainable planning is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance between economic growth and environmental preservation.

Public safety must remain a priority, and ensuring adequate funding for law enforcement, emergency services, and crime prevention programs is essential to keeping residents safe while fostering a sense of community trust.

What sets you apart from your competitors in the race?

What sets me apart from my competitors is my combination of deep community involvement and 25 years of experience in the technology sector, which gives me a forward-thinking approach to solving local issues.

Having lived in Fremont for over 13 years and raising two boys here, I understand the day-to-day challenges our families face. My firsthand knowledge of these issues drives my commitment to finding practical solutions for affordable housing, traffic congestion, and public safety. Additionally, I aim to bring a new level of accountability to city government, ensuring it is responsive to the people’s concerns.

My background in technology also allows me to leverage innovation and data-driven approaches to city planning, traffic management, and efficient use of city resources. I believe Fremont is in a unique position to grow as a technology hub, but it needs thoughtful leadership that can balance innovation with the community’s needs.

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